Yo..

Surprisingly, I took 3 days of from FF and it cleared some of my tired emotions. My exams also got finished, had a few parties, read a new awesome story about Tobirama which inspired me to continue my stories...to cut it short, I had a great break.

Guess, I'm just an unpredictable person...

And don't worry I'm fully excited to start this new arc, so don't worry I won't leave you hanging in the middle. Although, my update speed may change from now...

Enjoy the new arc...

Chapter 78

Their Dream

(2 days later)

Naruto just stood on the banks of the Naka River, patiently observing the peaceful river. It had been 2 days since he returned back to the village, and to say he got a warm welcome would be an understatement...

He was being treated as the "Greatest Hero" of Konoha, one that had even surpassed his father. There was love, respect, worry in the people's heart for him which really unnerved him.

Although he had disappeared from all the parties that had been hosted in the village, and even the small celebrations where shinobi were awarded for their bravery. Maybe he just wasn't ready to believe that everything was happy and peaceful...

He just could not pretend to be happy and smile, when the pain of losing so many comrades and ninja of Konoha was still alive in his heart...

In some corners of the village there was celebration, while in others there would be funerals. It was an exact situation of light and dark sides of nature and he was caught right in the middle of it, unsure on which side he truly belonged.

As a result he had avoided meeting anyone and had just disappeared from the village. Although he did leave a note to his father asking for his forgiveness and for leaving him alone for a day or two...

And Minato had accepted it without any objection, which had increased his love for his old man. Probably his father did understand what Naruto truly wanted...

"There you are..."

Naruto turned around and smiled a little when he saw Rangiku standing behind him. A small blush came on his face when he saw her in a Jounin uniform, her beautiful blonde hair were now fully free and made her look more attractive. The Konoha headband which was previously seen on her forehead was now tied to her arm. All in all, she was still as beautiful as ever...

"Thought you'd like this new outfit...guess I wasn't wrong" said Rangiku with a small smile, as she came beside him and glanced at the peaceful river in front of them.

"I know I have said this before...but you're truly beautiful. There is no one like you in heart or beauty..." complimented Naruto,

"Flatterer..." said Rangiku happily, before giving a light peck on his cheek while he just smiled.

'It's peaceful here, just us and the river..." said Naruto calmly, as she entwined her hand with his.

"You like it here, don't you?" asked Rangiku curiously,

"I come to the river because I feel like all the haziness in my heart gets washed away as I stare at the water..."

For a moment, she just observed him. He looked so different from the boy she met in Blacklight Boot Camp, back then he was full of determination, passion, anger and had an unbreakable will to protect his brother.

But now the person standing beside her was totally different. The horrors of war could be clearly seen in his eyes and even his heart seemed conflicted.

Even then, she knew the best part of him was still in there somewhere. That feeling that made people follow him, no matter how dangerous the path maybe...

"Are you okay?" questioned Rangiku worriedly,

"Yeah, I'm just not ready for all the partying and celebrations. I'm sorry I must have disappointed you and everyone..." apologized Naruto, but she just squeezed his hand more affectionately.

"Everyone understands that you need some time alone, and no one blames you for it. Naruto, I had a talk with Mikasa..." said Rangiku hesitantly, and for a moment he was a little surprised but he quickly schooled his emotions.

"I see, it's the truth. Even I was planning to say this to you, but I just can't be in the village right now..." said Naruto honestly,

He was a little worried when she averted her eyes from him and became silent for a few moments...

"There's nothing more to say. I have revealed the truth to you...I always lied to you and Mikasa, expecting both of you to forgive me" said Naruto shamefully, and clenched his other fist tightly.

"Naruto..."

"It was only because I didn't want to break anyone's heart. No matter how much I distanced myself from you, I only got more closer. In your own way, you taught me to view this dark world in a new light. I gave everyone hope for a better future, but it was only when I was with you that I could even dream for a happy, peaceful future..."said Naruto honestly, and looked her in the eye.

"I loved you from the moment I saw you...and even after everything..." said Rangiku hesitantly, but was stopped when he placed his finger on her lips.

"Only if I had told you the truth from the start, then I wouldn't be standing as a failure before you. So, this time I'll tell you what I truly feel...Rangiku Matsumoto, you don't ever have to forgive me. And no matter what decision you make, know this...I will love you always"

He expected some kind of extreme reaction from her, but was surprised when she just settled for a gentle smile while slowly touching his face with her hand.

"I already told you I'm not leaving your side ever. You have made a permanent place in my heart, and nothing can change that. We were so caught up in the war, that I forgot that you were the future clan head of the Namikaze clan. I know how our world works, especially prestigious clans. But I don't care about it, any of it. I've seen some really bad things in this war, and I just want to start a new life...and I can't imagine it without you, it's just not possible after everything that has happened between us" explained Rangiku seriously, as Naruto could just stare at her...

"Then what do you want? I will do anything for you..." promised Naruto, making her chuckle a little as she gently ruffled his hair and he became a little nervous when she got a small blush on her face.

"I want a family..." said Rangiku happily,

?

She could just laugh on seeing the baffled expression on his face, the poor boy was completely blown away after hearing that request.

"I...what...I...mean..." said Naruto nervously, and just kept on mumbling incoherent words as she just smiled on seeing his reactions.

"Relax, I don't mean right now..." clarified Rangiku, making Naruto sigh in relief.

"You scared me there for a moment..." said Naruto in a terrified voice, as she narrowed her gaze at him.

"Why? You don't want a family with me, Naruto?" asked Rangiku intimidatingly, but he just gave her an awkward look.

"It's not like that, I just don't think I'm a father material..." said Naruto honestly, as Rangiku just gave him a warm smile.

"Why do you think like that?" asked Rangiku curiously,

"I'm impulsive, too laid back, and an emotional idiot. Fathers are not like that, they are responsible, take care of their family...something in which I have failed several times" said Naruto apologetically,

"Nonsense, I've been with you for 7 years and there is no way I can believe that you are not responsible or have failed in taking care of people. You took care of an entire company, looked after each and every soldier and believed in them. Whatever challenge came before you, with your fierce determination you surpassed it. You may think that you failed, but I don't. Naruto, you did everything you could, perhaps even more than that...

...we are shinobi. Our lives are too short, we just survived a world war and with Akatsuki and the problems of the ninja world...another conflict may arise soon. I doubt Madara will give up his plans, today might just be our last day in this world. Your mother had you when she was 18, even your father was at the same age. Both of us are going to reach 16 soon, but I understand if you don't want a family with me" explained Rangiku sadly,

After hearing her feelings, he felt even more conflicted about her wish. Everything Rangiku had said was indeed true, but...

He could also not ignore what Cerberus had told him that night, the thought of returning to his family and having one of his own was the only thing that made him survive the war. Despite the reasons he was giving to Rangiku, he very well knew that one day he too wanted a child of his own...

A little life whom he could love, protect and watch him/her grow up...that thought alone made his world complete. But his destiny...

"I would be lying if I said I didn't want a family of my own..." said Naruto truthfully, as her face lit up with expressions of happiness and joy.

"But there are things I need to do, old ghosts which I need to put to rest. Building the empire, taking on a new team, protecting everyone against Madara...but you're right. Tomorrow may never come, I have to learn to live in the present, and not linger in the past or stay in a hopeful dream that a better future will come one day. I just need some time Rangiku, it's just too soon" explained Naruto patiently, but was silenced when she just gave him a warm, tight hug.

"I understand, we just have some more tasks to accomplish. Even I have to take a new team, but one day for sure..." said Rangiku hopefully,

"Yeah"

Both of them then just settled to sit on the shore of the river, enjoying the beauty of nature while Rangiku peacefully laid her head on his shoulders.

"I have to ask, whom would you want? A boy or a girl?'' asked Rangiku excitedly,

"Rangiku..."

"Please, it won't kill us in just talking about it..." requested Rangiku, making him smile.

''I'd be fine with either, but if I have to just make a simple choice for an answer...a girl" said Naruto sheepishly, getting a huge smile from Rangiku.

"Me too" said Rangiku happily, as he gently kissed her forehead.

"Have you thought of a name?" asked Naruto curiously,

"If it is really a girl, then I want you to name her. Although if it's a boy then I will name him..." said Rangiku confidently, making him chuckle.

"I can live with that..." said Naruto happily,

"So, have you thought of a name?" asked Rangiku curiously,

"Liara..."

Author's Note: End of chapter.

Yes, it was a short chapter. But I wanted to start things on a lighter note, as that is the theme of the arc. You can even call it "Aftermath and a New Beginning"

That does sound like an acceptable name for this arc. And I figured instead of writing a long ass chapter, full of mysteries...a short, loving chapter would be a fresh start for me. Don't want to stress myself too much...

So, what did Cerberus actually said to Naruto still remains a mystery...

Although, the family part was indeed true...but it won't be happening any time soon. Currently Naruto has his hands full and is not ready for such a role, but in time he will be.

Next chapter: A New Friend

I have to ask this question...

Considering Naruto's personality what first child would suit him the most? A girl or a boy?